There was an unexpected appearance by Sgt. Tom Lake, 46, who was shot twice in the face last Sunday by a crazed gunman that tried to execute him. The young man was killed as he fired at officers trying to apprehend him Monday.

Lake was listed in critical, but stable condition earlier in the week. So to make the appearance was an emotional event.

Lake received a monstrous applause accompanied by a standing ovation from several thousand people in attendance. Tears streamed down his face as he waved to the crowd.

The Dispatch reported one of his eyes looked bloodshot and he had a scab beneath his nose, but there were no other outward signs of injuries to the officer, who stood on a stage near the ring.

Elizabeth Snyder, the wife of fallen St. Louis County officer Blake Snyder, and her brother, Justin Sparks, also made an appearance at the event. They rang the ringside bell that began each charity boxing match between firefighters and police fficers.

St. Louis City SWAT team and firefighters then rappelled from the rafters and onto the stage, where they gave commemorative medals to several supporters of the event.